Deputy Commander Leo Leach of the Toronto EMS sang the national anthems for Canada and the United States, while Deputy Chief Mark Saunders of the Toronto police force threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Players often have the option of staying inside the clubhouse during national anthems, but on this night the full roster for both the Blue Jays and Angels were on the field to pay their respects.

The ceremony was designed to honor the first responders who risked their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. The Blue Jays wore both the Canadian and American flags on their hats to represent the partnership between the two countries during the immediate aftermath of the tragic event.